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Kelly plays catch; simulated game up next

2014 MLB.com Top Prospects: Casey Kelly is a groundball machine with a sinking fastball that he mixes with an effective changeup and curve

By Corey Brock
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MLB.com |

CLEVELAND -- Pitcher Casey Kelly played catch Monday at the Padres' Spring Training facility in Arizona and will now move ahead to a simulated game this week.

Kelly had been scheduled to throw a simulated game against the other players who are in the team's extended Spring Training program, but he said he said he felt some soreness in the back of his right elbow.

It was the same elbow Kelly had Tommy John surgery on last April.

Kelly said Saturday by text message that he hoped it was just inflammation. He was able to play catch Monday and now is apparently ready to face live hitters in a game-like situation.

San Diego manager Bud Black said that Kelly would likely throw three or so innings in a game this week. Kelly would then likely repeat that while increasing his endurance until the organization is comfortable with sending him on a Minor League rehabilitation stint.

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.